China's Li Xiaoxia claimed her maiden world championship title in Paris on Sunday to complete a career grand slam after defeating compatriot Liu Shiwen in an enthralling final. Runner-up to Ding Ning in 2011 and four years earlier to Guo Yue, Li went one step further in the French capital with an 11-8, 4-11, 11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 13-11 victory at the Bercy Arena.
Liu appeared set to extend the match to a deciding game after saving two match points in the sixth game but Li would not be deterred, clinching the title at the third time of asking as Liu fired long.
The triumph saw Li achieve a table tennis grand slam with the world championship crown adding to the World Cup she won in 2008 and the Olympic title she picked up last August in London.
"I won because of my really strong fighting spirit. Thanks to it I can control myself and calm down as well as play stronger when I need to," said the 25-year-old Li.
"I learned a lot from the London experience," she added, referring to her win over top-ranked Ding Ning in the 2012 Olympic final.
Li also paid special tribute to her coach Li Sun, saying: "He gave me a lot of confidence, not just technically but also mentally. I really appreciate his help." Liu, who was playing in her first final at the event after two previous semi-final appearances, was philosophical in defeat.
"I think generally I played quite well. I want to congratulate Li Xiaoxia. She played better than me in several sets and I will continue to try and improve.
"Only one player can be champion. There is always a winner and a loser," added the beaten Liu. Bronze medals were awarded to losing semi-finalists Ding and teenager Zhu Yuling.
Earlier, reigning men's champion Zhang Jike remained on course to defend his crown after shrugging off Germany's Patrick Baum to reach the semi-finals. Fourth seed Zhang recovered from a sluggish start to down Baum 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-2, 11-3 and ensure, just like in the women's draw, a Chinese sweep of all four singles medals.
Next up for Zhang, also the Olympic title-holder, is a last-four showdown with top-ranked Xu Xin.
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